A BICESTER couple have raised more than £5,000 for the hospital unit that cared for them after they lost their son who was born premature.

Amy and Matt Huntley raised the money through a series of fundraising events in the town to say thank you to the staff on the Silver Star unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Mrs Huntley’s waters broke suddenly when she was just over 22 weeks and was rushed to the JR in June this year.

After developing an infection she was induced but their baby, Henry Stephen Huntley, did not survive.

Mrs Huntley, 28, said: “Matt and I were looked after fantastically by the Silver Star unit and we wanted to do something in return to say thank you for all the hard work, love and support they gave us during such a difficult time.”

In August, during the midst of the family’s grief, they organised a charity day which included a raffle, foot sally, speed pool and more.

Mrs Huntley’s father, Steve Price, also abseiled down the women’s centre at the John Radcliffe in September.

The total raised was £5,126.

The Highfield Social Club in Bicester have also committed to making a donation to the unit to help purchase a fetal heart monitor in memory of Henry.

Mrs Huntley added: “Hearing his heartbeat during such a traumatic and scary time was a comfort that he was happy and healthy.

“He was just too small to survive this world.

“We cannot thank the people of Bicester and surrounding areas and the community enough for their generosity for our funday.

“Local people and businesses such as, Evolve Gym, Figures for Women, Peter Goss Butchers, Francine’s salon, Matthew Pitt Photography and many many more kindly donated gifts, vouchers and things like that towards our raffle,

“We also cannot thank the Shakespeare pub for letting us hold our funday there. It was a busy day and despite the rain it didn’t put people off.”